A Must See

I cannot get enough of this video and it has been this way for months. Perhaps my favorite youtube video of all time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY

I love this demonstration of the universality of dance and movement. Literally nothing brings people together the way dance can. Regardless of it's simplicity, Matt's dance was brilliant and brought smiles to many. I only wish I would have thought of this first!

Kudos, Matt!

A few San Fran faves

The largest and most magnificent thrift store I've experienced. My ugly sweater and plaid button-up collection is swiftly growing, thanks to this gem of a store. What can beat a vintage blouse for $2.99? I rest my case.

Vegan cuisine makes me quite happy, especially at this fatastic dive. Rarely can I order more than a few things on most menus, but here I will most likely taste everything before I die. I hope you're ready for some great vegan this summer, Mare.

The yoga studio that rocks harder than any other yoga studio. Flow yoga, pink walls, and my kind of music. Perfection? I think so.

I can't live without my frequent visits to local used bookstores. Bird & Beckett is the bomb. Bonus: They also sell vinyls.

A short walk from my house ending in a long walk on Ocean Beach. My afternoons with seagulls, sand dollars, and sea shells are surely some of my favorite.

So many favorites in this beloved city. This measly post doesn't even scratch the surface.

Auntie Becca

My lovely new niece is here! Beautiful little Ivy Valoie Yost.

I went home last weekend to go to Jill's baby shower and the day before the shower, the little bun decided to come out instead! It worked out perfectly for me- I got there on Thursday night and she arrived on Friday. I'm telling myself that she came out 3 weeks early because she knew I was in town. You had better believe that I am going to be the raddest aunt there ever was.

"Whacky" Valentines Day

I'm sure that all of you young marrieds had a lovely Valentines Day evening with your spouse, but I am absolutely convinced that none of you had a Valentines Day evening as exciting and entirely rad as mine. I participated in the 4th annual Great San Francisco Valentines Day Pillow Fight!Yes, it is exactly as it sounds... Hundreds of San Franciscans gathered together, whacking one another with pillows. We were all smashed together in a massive group and when the clock struck 6:00 PM, pillows and feathers began to fly like mad. I am almost positive I swallowed enough feathers to equal an entire goose. My favorite pillow fight confrontation was when I would turn to a complete stranger, look them square in the eyeballs, flash a sneaky smile, then whack them with my pillow. What a way to meet your neighbors, right? After a half an hour the entire plaza was filled with feathers and cotton. It was amusing to see people all over the city, on trains, in restaurants, in stores, etc., carrying pillows around prior to and following "the fight." I strongly believe that this is one of those instances in which I can slowly shake my head and proudly say, "only in San Francisco."

Aaren and I made our pillows symbols of love before we used them to beat the tar out of one another!


Oh, what a fantastic and original Valentines night.

Truly an "elect lady"

I just finished reading "Beloved Emma" which is a life story of Emma Smith. I was humbled as I read about the quality of woman she was.

About Emma, Lucy Smith, Joseph's mother said, "I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done."

I can hardly fathom the incredibility of all that she endured, yet I have rarely heard of such charitable acts done by a single person. I deeply admire her strength and I am grateful to her for showing me the divine potential I have as a woman and a daughter of God.

Home Sweet Home

I'm home for the Holidays and spending quality time with my family. It's a stretch to keep myself busy in Rexburg so I have a feeling that I will be discovering lots of new books within the next few weeks, as I am already on my third. It is nice to have a break from the chaos of the world, and it's especially lovely to be with those I love most!
I'm obviously no longer accustomed to this extreme Idaho cold!

Heavenly

I feel the need to express the gratitude I have for this beautiful temple in Oakland. Every Thursday night is Young Single Adult baptism night. Perhaps my favorite night of each week.
Sheesh.... Talk about stunning!